Hawaii School Vision Requirements

Hawaii School Requirements for Children's Vision

Hawaii requires a vision screening

Frequency: Students entering into school in Hawaii (grades preschool or kindergarten to 12)

Requires a systematic vision program for children to be conducted by the department of health. The purpose of the program shall be to detect and identify vision deficiencies in school children, recommend to their parents or guardians the need for appropriate evaluation of children who have vision deficiencies, and follow-up and track completed evaluations, including diagnostic and treatment information. Within available resources, the program shall include consultation with students, parents, and health and education personnel about treatment and rehabilitation vision deficiencies; and education of students, health and education personnel, and the general public about preserving and caring for vision and about preventing vision deficiencies. The departments of health and education, in cooperation with each other, may conduct classes and lectures in vision conservation and prevention of blindness for teachers, public health nurses, and others engaged in similar work. The departments shall also cooperate with public and private organizations and societies to educate the public in the importance of vision conservation. Hawaii Statute §321-101

Requires a physical examination be performed within one year before first entrance into school in Hawaii (preschool or K to 12), including a visual examination performed by physician, physician’s assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse. Hawaii Department of Education, Registering for School

An interpretation of the language used in the statute suggests that the state requires a vision screening instead of an examination. It is left to the discretion of the clinician whether a screening is performed or a comprehensive eye exam.